In central and north western Nigeria, kidnappings, ransom demands and attacks on villages have increased, it has been reported.
Families are forced to pay a ransom to kidnappers, encouraged by the police and security forces who say they cannot free any persons abducted. Some analysts say the kidnapping ring has now become a big franchise involving shadowy politicians and security forces.
Christians targeted
The Nigeria weekly security tracker records these attacks and killings*. Most killings target predominantly Christian communities and villages. Witnesses have said that, prior to these attacks, they get ‘messages’ from the Fulani to pay a ransom (seen as taxes according to Islamic injunctions) or be killed. Their claims are usually dismissed by security forces who speak of the attacks as ‘farmers and herders’ conflicts.
Selling church buildings?
These attacks result in mass burials, caring for refugees and being forced to pay ransoms. The Fulani now target churches and say to victims that their churches have money and must pay. The Bishop of Kaduna, part of the Anglican Communion, contemplated selling church property to free his church members, until the Primate intervened. Currently the Bishop of Wussasa Zaria, Kaduna state, is facing the same problem with the kidnap of worshippers inside a church.
Many members of the Anglican Church have been forced to relocate and some churches forced to close down or simply stay and hope that, somehow, God will intervene.
Governmental nonchalance
The present government’s nonchalant attitude to the allegations against the Fulani militia and its constant defence of them escalates the situation.
Recently, 25 male and female worshippers were kidnapped in Gwada community in Kaduna state, a few kilometres behind a military headquarters and a senior army officers’ training school. There is no news of their release so far. Two Anglican churches have been closed down as the locals have relocated to neighbouring safe communities due to threats to their lives.
Destroyed – rebuilt – destroyed
In Yola diocese the biggest Anglican Church in Nigeria was destroyed by Boko Haram in Garkida town, in Adamawa state on 21 February 2020. Through the support of the government and well-meaning individuals, the edifice was rebuilt, only for the same Boko Haram insurgents to raze it again on 24 December 2020. In some communities in Yola diocese, Sunday worship and other weekly activities have been abandoned owing to incessant attacks.
Heroic rescue
In Ikarra diocese in Kaduna province, armed bandits attacked a community, killed two men, and made away with two women for whom they demanded 80 million Naira (£153,000). This was reduced to N5 million (£9,200), but never paid as some heroic locals secured their release. Armed men forced their way into the residence of the Bishop of Ikarra, and made away with some valuables leaving family members injured. The wife of the bishop of the Anglican diocese of Bari was kidnapped alongside her secretary until a N6 million (£11,500) ransom was paid to secure their release.
